Moving While Learning in CNA and PCT Training Program: The Power of "Write the Room" Activities

Are you looking for an innovative way to spice up your Nurse Aide (CNA) or PCT Training Program?

Perhaps you’re searching for a method that not only engages learners but also enhances retention and understanding of crucial concepts.

Look no further than “Write the Room” activities.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into why these activities are not just fun but also incredibly effective in Nurse Aide (CNA) Training.

What are "Write the Room" Activities?

“Write the Room” activities involve placing various learning materials around a room, and participants move around, locating these materials and completing tasks associated with them.

In the context of Nurse Aide or Patient Care Technician Training, these activities can include identifying medical equipment, medical terminology, or even resident’s rights.

The Power of Movement in Learning

Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of incorporating movement into learning activities.

Movement has been linked to increased cognitive function, improved memory retention, and enhanced overall learning experiences.

By engaging in physical activity while learning, individuals activate different parts of their brains, leading to better comprehension and information retention.

Why "Write the Room" Works

Active Learning: Rather than passively absorbing information, participants actively engage with the material by physically moving around and interacting with their environment.
Multi-Sensory Experience: “Write the Room” activities often incorporate visual, auditory, and tactile elements, providing a multi-sensory learning experience that caters to diverse learning styles.
Contextual Learning: Placing learning materials in a real-world context mimics the environments where nurse aides will eventually work, helping learners make connections between theory and practice.
Collaboration and Communication: These activities can foster collaboration and communication among participants as they work together to complete tasks and solve problems.

Creating Your Own "Write the Room" Activities for Your Nurse Aide Training Program

Identify Learning Objectives: Determine the specific concepts or skills you want to reinforce through the activity. This could include topics such as medical terminology, infection control, or procedural steps.
Select Materials: Gather relevant materials that align with your learning objectives. These could include flashcards, diagrams, labeled equipment, or cards with questions or information.
Choose a Location: Select a suitable room or area for the activity. Ensure there is enough space for participants to move around comfortably and that the materials can be placed strategically throughout the space.
Set Up the Room: Place the learning materials around the room in a way that encourages exploration and engagement. I sometimes refer to the activity as a “scavenger hunt”, as my cards are numbered and I post them around the room “out of order”
Create Your Write the Room Cards: Develop task cards or prompts that correspond to each set of objectives. I have created my cards in Power Point and even hand wrote them on index cards. These cards should guide participants on what they need to do at each station, such as identifying facility diets based on lists of foods or answering multiple choice questions. Your students will also need a “Recording Sheet” where they record their answers at each station. I happen to have clipboards for the students to use but using a hard cover book works just as well.
Provide Instructions: Brief participants on the purpose of the activity and explain how it will work. Emphasize the importance of actively engaging with the materials or cards and encourage collaboration and communication among participants.
Facilitate the Activity: Supervise the activity as participants move around the room, completing tasks and interacting with the materials. Offer support and guidance as needed, but allow participants to take ownership of their learning experience. When I notice there is too much collaborating, I change the activity to a “scoot” activity where a timer is set for a specific amount of time at each card and I limit the amount of students at each card.
Debrief and Reflect: Once the activity is complete, gather participants for a debriefing session. Discuss key concepts, address any questions or concerns, and encourage reflection on the learning experience. This is also an opportunity to clarify any misconceptions and reinforce understanding.
Assess Learning: Use the activity as an informal assessment tool to gauge participants’ understanding of the material. Observe their interactions and responses during the activity to identify areas of strength and areas for further development.
Adjust and Iterate: Based on feedback and observations from the activity, make any necessary adjustments to improve future iterations of the “Write the Room” activity. Continuously seek opportunities to refine the activity and tailor it to the specific needs and preferences of your participants.

Write the Room Activities Already Created...

To save time, I already have some Nurse Aide Patient Care Technician Training Program appropriate Write the Room activities already created for you…just click on a picture below and it will take you to my online store!